Optimized locating of fluting paper plant from agricultural residues using AHP (based on benefit and cost approach)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Abstract

A suitable location plays an important role in the competitiveness of a plant in
the market and should be selected such that it allows access to strategic advantages
compared with other competitors. The aim of the current study was identification
optimized location of fluting paper plant from agricultural residues in Mazandaran
province using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). After performing pilot
studies, indices effective in selection of a place for establishing fluting paper plant
was identified in Mazandaran province; then, a hierarchy of indices and subindices
were designed based on the benefit and cost structure; and finally, valueweighted
index of each of them was determined using questionnaire and data
analysis in expert choice software medium. In the second stage, alternatives have
been prioritized based on the benefits to costs ratio (B/C) in order to determine the
best place among the alternatives of east, west and center of the province. Results
show that the eastern part of Mazandaran province has the highest benefit to cost
ratio and is the best place for establishing fluting paper plant from agricultural
residues in Mazandaran province.

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